After one week of intensive daily use in competitive titles like The Finals and Apex Legends, the WPAD Halo has completely redefined my expectations for what a budget glass mousepad can deliver.
With the budget glass mousepad market booming as of recent with many mousepads being released from Tekkusai, Dysphoria, Uncle Panda, and so much more, WPAD I think has brought out a banger of a mousepad with a very unique & premium surface that I feel can rival more premium mousepads.
In today's review, we will be talking about WPAD's Halo, a speed oriented coated glass mousepad that is an absolute joy to aim with. This mousepad has truly changed how I see glass mousepads and my entire perception of speed. We will cover many aspects from my overall experience in games such as The Finals and Apex Legends as well as maybe some downsides that I should nitpick.
Testing Methodology
Mice Used:
PMM Zen 8K and Zeromouse Blade (Clone)
Skates Used:
Westlab Blues, Unusual Way Silver Foxes, and Ultraglide RS
Games Played:
Apex Legends & The Finals
Ingame Performance and Feel
Ingame Performance
Apex Legends
Mid-Long Range Tracking : Weapons like the 3030 and the Hemlock feel extremely nice to use. At long ranges I do not require much motion so this whole thing is more of a microadjustment kind of thing but I will be trying to mention other situations where I would do bigger motions at longer ranges.
At these ranges, the pad feels extremely smooth with very LOW static friction, allows me to easily track people at these ranges without having to fight against the pad due to any friction whatsoever.
Tracking people trying to take ziplines or taking EVACs up at these ranges also feels extremely smooth and effortless. Overall not much to say more than this, this pad just has extremely low static friction at these ranges and dynamic friction is also extremely low for situations I mentioned earlier.
Close Range 1v1s : To be clear, I DO NOT use shotguns like the PK and EVA-8, I am more of a R9, RE45, and Volt user so I will be talking about these guns in this section.
In 1v1s aim duels, tracking one direction strafes feels extremely smooth and again I don't feel like I am feeling like I am fighting the pad to get smooth tracking at all. When I am able to read that my target is about to change directions, thats where the texture of the pad that I can push into slows down my aim not too much but just enough for me to be shaky or trying to overcorrect to strafe direction changes. Tracking Ash dashes at this range, I also tend to start applying pressure down into the mousepad and it allows me to track her during her dash very stably.
The Finals
Admittedly, I have not been playing much of The Finals, but I have been playing enough to get a good feel of the pad in game. But I will keep this section very short and concise. I mainly play Light and Medium.
Extremely Close Range Tracking : The M26 Matter and M11 are my main guns for Light, these guns force me to fight directly in enemies faces therefore I will be performing more big motions on the mousepad. The mousepad's texture starts to become more apparent but not too much. Dashing around enemies while trying to track them feels great. With dash M11, during a dash I would have to try to fight my own movement to keep my crosshair on target, this is where I would not apply much pressure mid dash but when the dash stops and I have to fight to stay on target, the texture of the pad allows me to stop with I'd say moderate shakiness, not cloth pad level stopping power by any means, I can notice in clips where I am shaking a bit trying to stop my mouse after a dash. Controlling the M11's recoil actually feels SOOO effortless it is honestly crazy. I know I say this in alot of reviews where glass pads are extremely easy to just follow and microadjust according to the recoil pattern, but with this pad, I am just not feeling like I am fighting any sort of friction or resistance whatsoever.
Medium Range Tracking : At the current season, the Pike and FAMAS are the current meta medium guns, especially the Pike. The Pike is a long range marksman rifle type shit that focuses more on clicking and being very precise. At these ranges I notice myself applying copius amounts of pressure down into the pad to slow my aim down in order to hit targets since it is hitscan at all ranges. This is where I feel the pad's texture the most, it is when I am trying to hit shots at longer ranges and trying to account for the Pike's recoil as well. In terms of the FAMAS, it is a more mid range weapon, tracking people moving in arcs after a jump pad or people taking ziplines (again the gun is hitscan) feels very nice with the pad's texture feeling more smooth and the speed at it's peak speed.
Texture Feel
Mid-Long Range Tracking
When using weapons like the 3030 and Hemlock in Apex Legends and the Pike in The Finals, which are all mid-long range weapons, the texture I feel is very smooth in the small motions I have to make for these ranges. You do not get much feedback from smaller motions at all.
Close Range 1v1s
Close range 1v1s in Apex, guns like the R9 and RE45 as I've been using alot this season, I do use a very low sensitivity, so at this range I tend to have more motion on the pad. This is where you start feeling the texture quite a bit. I would not say this is something comparable in terms of abrasiveness and texture to a Skypad 3.0 when in motion, not like that at all. It is still MUCH smoother than the Skypad 3.0 and Joker Game uncoated pad when in motion, but it is not as smooth as the singularity. The best way I could describe the texture is when in big motions, this pad feels like if the Singularity just developed about a 20/100 in terms of abrasiveness and texture.
For The Finals, guns like the M26 Matter and M11, which are my current main guns for high ranked Light, which are incredibly close-range weapons. Again, texture starts to get noticable but nothing you'd consider to be on Skypad 3.0 level in terms of texture and abrasiveness.
High Pressure Applied
This is a very cool property of this pad, which I'd say can be felt on other textured speed pads like The Beast and Phantom by Tekkusai, but on the Halo, I feel it is more of a small side effect. Applying pressure to the pad will allow you to actually feel the texture more distinctly. But it is not something that is extremely exaggerated like on pads like the Phantom or Wallhack's new CR-005. Although I do not own those pads that I have mentioned, from reviews I've read I think I have a small rough idea on how I am able to compare it to the Halo.
Overall Feel
Overall, the texture is very smooth and not abrasive at all. It is a very unique texture that I have not felt on any other mousepad before. It is not as smooth as the Singularity, but it is much smoother than the Skypad 3.0 when in motion. I would not even compare it to the PAN coated pad too. But I'd say the best description of the texture and what felt most similiar was actually the Wallhack SP-004 for me. Not OVERLY smooth, but not too textured where it feels like sandpaper (EHEM! Skypad 3.0)
Mouse Feel
This section will try to explain how it feels to use different mice on the Halo. Extreme ends of the spectrum, a full sized claw grip mouse and an extremely small fingertip mouse.
PMM Zen 8K
This mouse is where I actually get to take advantage of the texture of the Halo. Due to it being a full sized mouse and I can apply more pressure when in situations where I would need to slow down my aim, this is the type of mice where you are able to take advantage of this property of the Halo.
Zeromouse Blade Clone
On fingertip mice like the Zeromouse Blade (clone) and many other similiar types of mice, this is where I would not be able to take advantage of the texture to slow down the mouse when using this pad. Due to how relaxed you have to be when using a fingertip mouse, you do not get to feel the texture as much as you would with a full sized mouse. This will lead to the conclusion for fingertip users where you would actually feel the Halo being more of a smooth pad than anything, as again, I only do think the texture starts being extremely noticable when applying moderate-great amounts of pressure.
Comparison & Preference
TLDR: If you use a full-sized mouse and grip it firmly, you'll appreciate the Halo's texture. If you use a fingertip grip on a smaller mouse, the Halo will feel smoother and less textured.
Gliding of Skin
Skin Contact Experience
Skin glides EXTREMELY well on this pad, better than every pad I have owned, it has changed how I see glass mousepads. Every pad I have owned have had rather mediocre skin gliding but this feels amazing. Your fingers that make some contact on the pad when holding the mouse would just glide effortlessly with no locked in feeling. But it will still stick if your skin is any bit sweaty.
In the typical case scenario for me where I don't really sweat and I stay in a air conditioned room, it is extremely comfortable to use for desktop usage and casual games I have played like Minecraft.
The surface to the skin feels like unlike anything I've used before. The best way I can describe it is if you've felt the Razer smooth touch coating, it feels like that except it doesn't grip onto your fingers and it has a little bit of texture. Again, it doesn't feel like your skin locks onto the surface at all unless you are sweating.
Surface Comparison
WPAD Halo
Textured speed surface with variable feedback based on pressure
Singularity
Smooth balanced surface with minimal texture
Joker Game (uncoated)
Smooth speed surface with minimal texture
PAN (coated)
Smooth balanced-control surface with minimal abrasiveness
Skypad 3.0
Highly textured surface with significant abrasiveness
Glide Test Comparison
Note: This test is not scientific and is purely for fun and visual comparison purposes. Also I don't have the singularity anymore therefore I cannot get an updated glide test.
Pads and skates have been wiped prior to tests as well as I tried to have the angle as consistent as I can, but again do not take this test seriously. Just purely for fun.
WPAD Halo
Singularity
Wallhack SP-004
PAN (coated)
Skypad 3.0
Joker Game (uncoated)
Base and Printing
Base and Printing
The Halo appears to use the same printing process and base material as other Taobao glass pads. However, there's one notable difference - the rubber base coverage on the Halo leaves a little bit of the print exposed at the edges, although it is less than the PAN pad's, but it isn't as good as how the Singularity has done.
The base performance is alright, the pad can move with enough pressure but in normal use it doesn't really move
Halo Base
Halo's base, leaves some print exposed at edges.
Singularity Base
Singularity's base, better edge coverage with barely any exposed print.
PAN/Joker Game Base
PAN's base, worst coverage of the three.
Print quality wise I think it is really good, It isn't as clear as what I saw from The Beast in person (over at Tronmatix Store) but it isn't a worry at all it is the same quality as PAN's and the Singularity.
Box and Packaging
Box and Packaging
The WPAD Halo comes in a straightforward, minimalist packaging approach. The box itself is quite basic with a simple sticker on top that displays the pad's specifications including size and thickness information.
Inside the box, the mousepad is protected by foam padding to ensure it arrives in perfect condition. The packaging is functional and gets the job done without any unnecessary frills. I just wish the box looked better personally.
External Box
Basic cardboard box with a specification sticker showing size and thickness details. Simple and functional packaging design.
Internal Protection
The mousepad is well-protected with foam padding inside the box, ensuring safe delivery and preventing any damage during shipping.
It's worth noting that Founders Edition pads purchased during the preorder period came with a set of WPAD grips as a bonus. Orders nowadays still come with the grips. As for the quality of the grips, to keep it short they do offer a very unique feeling that some people may like. If you'd like to know more about the grips then please let me know.
Edge Handling
Edge Quality - The Weakest Link
Unfortunately, the edge handling is where the Halo falls short compared to modern glass pad standards. The edges are rather sharp and not rounded, which creates a noticeable comfort issue during use, especially when using the pad sleeveless.
The edge finishing is more comparable to the Skypad 3.0's approach rather than the premium rounded edges we've come to expect from modern glass pads. This is disappointing considering how well other aspects of the pad perform, and it represents the weakest link in an otherwise excellent product.
Halo Edge
Sharp, unrounded edges that can feel uncomfortable against the arm during sleeveless use. Similar to older glass pad designs like the Skypad 3.0.
Singularity Edge
Properly rounded and smoothed edges that feel comfortable against the arm and represent modern glass pad edge finishing standards.
When using the pad sleeveless, the sharp edges press uncomfortably against your arm, which detracts from the otherwise premium feel of the surface. This is particularly noticeable during extended gaming sessions where arm contact with the edge is frequent.
For future revisions of the Halo, I would strongly recommend that WPAD consider CNC'ing the edges to achieve better rounding and smoothing. Even if this improvement comes at a slight price increase, it would be a well-needed change that would significantly enhance the user experience and bring the pad in line with modern glass mousepad standards.
Art Analysis & Glass Pad Art Discussion
A Refreshing Take on Glass Pad Art
Art for glass pads nowadays mainly focuses on a character or heroine on the mousepad that brings more focus to the character. This is eventually starting to get very boring and repetitive as every company is starting to do the same thing - *ehem* Glsswrks, Pwnage, Dysphoria, and Wallhack.
Halo Art Design
The Halo's art, as described by the artist, definitely evolves from the art style of "metalheart" with more collage and abstract elements to it. This creates a unique visual experience that stands apart from typical character-focused designs.
With this type of art, it feels more like a very nice background and brings your mouse to the center of attention. It's definitely a breath of fresh air from the typical approach we see in the market today. Rather than having a prominent character demanding visual attention, the abstract and collage-style elements create a sophisticated backdrop that complements rather than compete for attention
The only critique I have is regarding the "Founders Edition" text along with the credits to @aletiune on Twitter being a little too big. I wish the text was a bit smaller and more subtle, as it slightly detracts from the otherwise AMAZING design.
Overall, I really appreciate this art direction and find it to be a refreshing departure from what most glass pad companies are releasing nowadays. It shows that there's still room for creativity and innovation in mousepad design beyond the standard anime character approach that has become so prevalent in the industry.
Pricing
Cost and Value
The WPAD Halo is priced at 76 USD within China and is currently exclusively sold on Taobao. This positions it in the mid-range category for glass mousepads, sitting between budget options like the PAN/Joker Game pads (~$25-40) and premium offerings like Wallhack's lineup (~$120+).
At this price point, the Halo offers an extremely unique speed surface that I don't think you'll find anywhere in this price point. While it's more expensive than basic Taobao options and the Singularity, the superior surface is absolutely a reason to get this pad.
However, the edge is the biggest downside for this pad. For future revisions, improved edge treatment would make this pad even better.
Where to Buy
Purchase Information
The WPAD Halo is currently only available through Taobao, requiring the use of a shipping agent for international buyers. Below are the recommended purchasing options:
Final Thoughts
Overall Assessment
The WPAD Halo presents a compelling entry into the textured speed glass pad category, offering a unique surface experience that sets it apart from the budget options and starts to compete with the premium options. The extremely fast surface is a very compelling pad for people who prefer it.
What Works Well
• Texture provides small variant in speed, whilst non-pressure makes it very smooth.
• Extremely fast surface that beats out every pad that I have owned.
• Refreshing abstract art design that stands out from typical character-focused pads
• Coating provides very smooth gliding of your skin on the mousepad
• Best entry into the extreme speed category
Areas for Improvement
• Sharp, unrounded edges detract from comfort during extended use
• Base coverage could be better compared to some competitors
• Text elements on the art could be more subtle
• Limited availability (Taobao only) may deter some buyers
Who Should Consider This Pad?
You need speed.
Final Verdict
Despite its edge handling shortcomings, the WPAD Halo delivers where it matters most, providing an amazing surface that you won't find elsewhere in this price range. The unique texture implementation and refreshing art direction make it a worthy consideration for those looking to try something different in the glass pad space.
I'd recommend this pad to anyone interested in textured speed surfaces, and I just hope that WPAD continues to improve the pad in the future. As well as I hope that they release this pad internationally and make it more accessible.
Rating: 8/10 - Good surface (EXTREMELY GOOD) mediocre edge finishing.